1. Fill out the online application

2. Fill out the local contact information

3. Upload your Newton Fire Department certificate

4. Upload your state issued certificate

5. Upload your 2 forms of proof of residence

6. Upload your house rules (per the city ordinance). 

• Noise control, including use of audio equipment that may disturb the peace- Refer to noise ordinance 
• Adherence to laws regarding disorderly behavior
• Proper garbage disposal- Refer to city webpage 
• Location of parking stalls on the property
• Neighborhood parking regulations and restrictions- Refer to city webpage 
• Occupancy limits according to the City’s Zoning Ordinance
• Examples of house rules 

7. The property will be checked for open permits; Any open permits must be closed

8. The property will be checked for open violations; Any open violations must be corrected

9. Sign and complete the online application

10. When approved the filing fee must be paid

Register here at NewGOV

The Ordinance took effect January 2, 2020.  For any short-term rentals to take place after January 2, 2020 you must be registered.

1. State Certificate
2. Local Operator Affidavit
3. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Certificate of Compliance form the Newton Fire Department
4. Confirmation that there is no outstanding code enforcement or outstanding building permits
5. Signature of Operator certifying that the Short Term Rental conforms to this article.
6. House rules
7. Local contact information
8. Proof of residency
9. Filing fee

The maximum number of bedrooms you can rent to overnight or short term guests is three, and the maximum number of guests is nine.

• We have created a registration form that should make it easy for you to identify what you need to register with the City of Newton as a short-term rental.  Please refer to the registration form to ensure you have completed all the required steps and have the required materials to register.
• Following registration as a short term rental, you are required to recertify with the City of Newton every year. 

The Short-Term Rental Ordinance states that an operator may offer a dwelling unit or bedroom for periods of less than 30 days.

All taxes related to short term rentals are handled by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The City of Newton does not collect taxes on short-term rental uses.

No, you may only rent your primary residence, you need to occupy the residence that is a short-term rental for nine out of twelve months during each calendar year.

• Noise control, including use of audio equipment that may disturb the peace
• Adherence to laws regarding disorderly behavior
• Proper garbage disposal
• Location of parking stalls on the property
• Neighborhood parking regulations and restrictions
• Occupancy limits according to the City’s Zoning Ordinance
• Any other provisions may be required by City Officials.

Complete the online Request for Zoning Enforcement (link) found under Inspectional Services and the request will be reviewed by the Zoning Enforcement Agent.  You can call the Newton Police at (617) 796-2100 if the renters are disturbing the peace.

Yes, you will be mailed a certificate of registration after registering with the city that you must display in your property.

You must include your City of Newton Registration Number with your online postings.

Yes, the Operator must maintain, in permanent form, a registry log of occupants that includes names, addresses, occupants license plate numbers, dates of stay, and the room assigned to each occupant.